Torrance,
CA (SafetyAlerts) - Firestone has
announced it will voluntarily recall certain model Firehawk GTA-02 tires in size
P205/55R16 manufactured in their Wilson, North Carolina plant. These tires are
primarily fitted as original equipment on certain model 2000 and 2001 Nissan Altima SE
vehicles manufactured up through November 30, 2000 and sold in the US, Canada and Guam.
The remainder of the recalled tires have been made available to the U.S., Canadian, Puerto
Rican and Trinidadian replacement tire markets.

Approximately 22,937 Altima SE
vehicles are affected by this tire recall: 21,603 in the continental US and Hawaii; 1,315
in Canada and 19 in Guam. The Altima GXE, GLE and XE models are not equipped with these
tires. No other Nissan or Infiniti vehicles supplied with Firestone tires are
affected by this recall.

Firestone decided to initiate the
recall after an analysis of tires returned for adjustment showed a surface crack at the
edge of the tread and shoulder that, in extreme cases, could develop along the
circumference of the tire. Nissan has had no reports of tread belt separations or
detachments in any of the tires that have experienced this cracking. Neither Firestone nor
Nissan are aware of any accidents or injuries relating to these tires. It is important to
note that this recall is not related to any other recall announced by Firestone, the
company stated.

According to Firestone, an analysis
of the affected tires found that the original belt width specification created too narrow
a distance between the steel belt edge inside the tire and the surface of the tire. As a
result, a crack could develop at the bottom of the shoulder groove and progress to the
edge of the steel belt, and in extreme cases, eventually expose it.

Firestone's analysis of other tires
found that the issue was limited to the design of the P205/55R16 Firehawk GTA-02 tires.
The necessary design change, which decreases the width of the steel belts, has already
been implemented by Firestone.

Firestone will mail notices to
customers whose vehicles may have been equipped with the recalled tires by March 12.
Customers who have purchased the recalled tires in the replacement market or those who
want to know if their tires are subject to the recall before receiving the notice letter,
can determine if their tires are subject to the recall by checking the DOT identification
number found on the sidewall of the tire, near the wheel rim.

The tires subject to the
recall have one of the following DOT numbers:

Firestone will replace the recalled
tires at no cost with new Firehawk GTA-02 tires in size P205/55R16. In order to ensure an
adequate supply of replacement tires, Firestone also will make the following tires, which
have been approved by Nissan for use on the Altima SE, available as replacements:

Bridgestone Potenza RE92
Bridgestone Turanza EL41

Recalled tires will be replaced at no cost to the customer at their local authorized
participating Firestone retailer. For the location of the nearest Firestone store,
customers can call toll-free, 1-800-465-1904. "At Nissan, customer safety, security
and satisfaction are our highest priorities," said Emil Hassan, senior vice
president, North American Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality and Logistics, Nissan North
America, Inc.

"While we are relieved that no
accidents or injuries have been reported relating to these tires, we nonetheless urge all
2000 and 2001 Nissan Altima SE vehicle owners that receive a notification letter from
Firestone to have their vehicles inspected by a Firestone dealer. We also advise consumers
to properly care for tires and to maintain proper tire inflation according to the
specifications called out on the vehicle tire placard and owner's manual."

For further information please
contact: Dierdre Dickerson at 310-771-6461 or Scott Vazin at 310/771-3455, or visit the
Nissan Online News Bureau at http://www.nissannews.com.

Notice of this product warning was
sent via email to SafetyAlerts
subscribers February 20, 2001. For more information regarding the SafetyAlerts free
email alert service please click here.

The information contained herein has been obtained from sources that the Company believes to be reliable, however, the Company has not independently verified or confirmed the information and the recipient acknowledges that no representations or warranties are being made in connection with the use of the information.